36. In its outmost or natural sense, namely its literal sense, the Word is symbolized also by the wall of the Holy Jerusalem, whose construction was jasper; by the foundations of the wall, which were precious stones; and also by the gates, which were pearls (Revelation 19:18-21). For Jerusalem symbolizes the church in respect to doctrine. But more on this subject in the next section.

It can now be seen from what we have presented that the Word’s literal sense, which is its natural sense, is the foundation, containing vessel, and buttress of its interior senses, which are its spiritual and celestial senses.

27. The Word’s Literal Sense Is the Foundation, Containing Vessel and Buttress of Its Spiritual and Celestial Meanings

Every Divine work has in it a first, intermediate, and final element, and the first one progresses through the intermediate one to the final one, and so takes form and endures. Thus the final element is the foundation. Moreover, the first element is present in the intermediate one, and present through the intermediate one in the final one. Thus the final element is the containing vessel. And because the final element is the containing vessel and foundation, it is also the buttress.